Saturday, December 1, 2012

HERE IS THIS YEARS VERY SUBJECTIVE LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PAGAN COMMUNITY IN 2012

# 10 Ed Hubbard

Ok, I know Ed can be a controversial individual in our
community. Even I have had some consternation in my communications with Mr.
Hubbard over time. What you may not know is that when called upon to help heal
many of the past hurts in our community Ed stepped up, worked with individuals
who were not always kind to him and focused on what was good for the community.
Many of our so called leading Elders and Interfaith leaders found themselves
unable to do this. Ed I applaud you for your ability to put personal history
aside and act in the interest of the entire community. In 2012 you made a
difference.

# 9 Star Foster

Ms. Foster’s contribution to our community is without question. Her establishment of a Pagan presence
on Patheos exceeded anything that has gone before in terms of intelligent discussion
and debate. Star deserves a vote of thanks from the entire community for
blazing a trail that many online sites are now following and expanding upon.
While Star is no longer with Patheos, her impact on the community will be felt
for many years to come.

# 8 Cara Schulz

Those who attend events in the Mid West are sure to know
Cara for her unique mini events at festivals. On a more serious note Cara is
the managing editor of the Pagan Newswire Collective. If leading Pagans is like
herding cats then it would be fair to describe Cara’s job as doing so after
adding a bulldog. Always accessible, social, even tempered and willing to
listen Cara has navigated the waters of multiple issues that have had high
potential to explode this year. The grace she exhibits in accomplishing her
duties is a great example for the entire community.

# 7 Holli Emore

When it comes to someone focused on obtaining achievements
that benefit the entire Pagan community there is no one who comes to mind as
quickly as Holli Emore. As Executive director of Cherry Hill Seminary her
dogged pursuit of accreditation and efforts to establish Cherry Hill as an
institution that resources the best minds in Pagan culture and studies
establish her as not only a Pagan who made a difference, but also one who will
continue to do so in the future.

# 6 Michelle Mueller

In most cases individuals make this list for specific
accomplishments. In the case of Michelle Mueller, the opposite is true. Her
place on this list represents recognition of her many involvements in the Pagan
community. One cannot participate in serious discussion of Pagan issues or
attend academic conferences without becoming aware of Michelle’s many
contributions and involvements. If
there were a “whose who of Pagandom” this individual would be listed under
dozens of categories. She deserves
to be recognized for all she does as Pagan leader.

# 5 Luisah Teish

If you do not know who Luisah Teish is, you have missed not only
a massively inspirational force in the women’s movement, but also one of the
most profound and funny speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear speak. Luisah’s
client list reads like the top ten most inspirational women in the world for
good reason. Check her out and you will wonder why she has not landed on this
list before.

# 4 David Grega (posthumously)

When David died the future of our community suffered a great
loss. His voice was the voice of challenge, insight, debate and hope for the
future. Mr. Grega was my friend, my foe and an incredibly talented pod caster.
Even in his death an important and difficult conversation was sparked in the
Pagan community about health; David would like that! You will be missed. Our
community could well use more like you!

# 3 M. Macha NightMare

Many would expect to see Macha on this list due to her many
accomplishments, perhaps as a leader of Reclaiming or due to her continual activism
around social justice. In this case, however, it is her willingness to walk away
and take her own road that prompts her listing. In publicly leaving a tradition that has been part
of her practice for decades, Macha stands as a great example of having a
personal relationship with the Goddess.
While I have great respect for Reclaiming, my respect runs even deeper
for those who I witness making tough decisions and seeking growth in their
path. Macha, you are an inspiration to us all.

# 2 Melissa Murry & Ruth
Barrett

The process of weaving a new thread into the fabric of
social justice is often messy, angry and lead by loud voices of righteous
indignation. On a rare occasion leaders step forth who approach anger
with reason, compassion and understanding. Such was the case when Ruth and
Melissa addressed the issue of transgender inclusion at this year PSG. These
two women set a great example of how conflict can lead to understanding and
agreement when listening and mindfulness result in progress.

# 1 Margot Adler

No Margot is not on the list for having written one of the
classic Pagan books. No she is not on the list for her work at NPR. No she is
not on the list because she gives a great talk on Vampires. Margot Adler makes the top of this years list as
someone who is continually accessible, consistently traveling to meet and speak
to new Pagans. More than one
person new to the Pagan path have told me that having a conversation
with Margot is like visiting with an old friend. For being the classiest of the class acts in our community
Margot deserves recognition for all she has done in 2012. Some people depend on
past accomplishments, others like Margot continue to raise the bar on what
service to the Goddess looks like.